The OM612 is one of those engines that earns its keep without anyone making a fuss about it. It has pulled Sprinter vans full of tools and parcels, ML SUVs across bad roads, and E-Class taxis for distances most cars never see. When one finally gives up, the van or car around it usually still has plenty left in it. That is why so many owners and fleet managers come to us looking for a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale.
We sell tested, fairly used OM612 diesel engines and ship them worldwide. Every engine comes with real photos, a written quote, a warranty and a fit check against your vehicle before you pay.
Need a quote now? Send your VIN or engine number through our contact page or call +1 (209) 733-0882. You can also browse our Mercedes engines in the shop, or go straight to the Mercedes OM612 Engine for Sale product page to see the price.
This page covers the specs, the vehicles, the common faults, how we test each Mercedes OM612 engine for sale and how ordering works.
What Is the Mercedes OM612?
The Mercedes-Benz OM612 is a five-cylinder inline turbo diesel. It belongs to the same family as the four-cylinder OM611 and the six-cylinder OM613, and it took over from the older OM605. It arrived around 1999 and was used until about 2006, when the OM647 and then the V6 OM642 took its place.
It was one of the first generation of Mercedes CDI engines with common rail fuel injection. That gave it far more torque and much quieter running than the old pre-chamber diesels, while keeping the strong cast iron block that Mercedes diesels are known for. On top sits an aluminium head with twin camshafts and four valves per cylinder, driven by a double row timing chain.
The odd number of cylinders gives it a distinctive sound and a nice, even pull. It is not the most powerful engine in the world, but it is honest, simple to work on and very tough, which is why a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale is still in demand years after production ended.
Mercedes OM612 Engine Specifications
Figures vary by vehicle and year. We always confirm the full engine number before we quote a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale.
| Engine type | Inline 5 cylinder turbo diesel, four stroke |
| Displacement | 2,685 cc (2.7 litres); 2,950 cc on the C30 CDI AMG |
| Bore x stroke | 88.0 mm x 88.4 mm (2.7 litre) |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, 20 valves |
| Block and head | Cast iron block, aluminium head |
| Timing drive | Double row chain |
| Fuel system | Bosch common rail direct injection (first generation CDI) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged and intercooled |
| Compression ratio | About 18:1 |
| Power | About 156 hp in the Sprinter, about 170 PS in cars, 231 PS in the C30 CDI AMG |
| Torque | About 330 to 400 Nm on most versions, 540 Nm on the C30 CDI AMG |
| Emissions | EGR and oxidation catalyst |
| Years built | About 1999 to 2006 |
Vehicles With the OM612
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter T1N 2.7 CDI (213, 313, 413, 316 and 416 CDI), including Dodge and Freightliner badged Sprinters sold in North America
- C-Class W203 C270 CDI and C30 CDI AMG
- E-Class W210 and W211 E270 CDI
- CLK-Class C209 CLK270 CDI
- M-Class W163 ML270 CDI
- G-Class W463 G270 CDI
A licensed version called the OM665 was used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 2.7 CRD and in SsangYong models such as the Rexton and Kyron 270 Xdi. These are close relatives, but they are not always a direct swap.
Van engines and car engines use different sumps, mounts, turbos and wiring. Give us the vehicle, year and engine number and we will match the right Mercedes OM612 engine for sale to it.
7 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Mercedes OM612 Engine for Sale
1. The engine number
It starts with 612 and tells you the exact version. Sprinter, car and AMG engines are all different. Get a photo of it.
2. Compression test
Five even readings mean healthy rings and valves.
3. Injector seals
Look around the injectors for black tar-like build-up. That is a sign of leaking seals, which we explain below.
4. Oil and coolant
No milky oil, no oil in the coolant and no strong diesel smell in the oil.
5. Turbo condition
Check for shaft play, oil in the intake and a working actuator.
6. What is included
Injectors, high pressure pump, turbo, starter, alternator, wiring? Ask for a written list.
7. Written warranty
Read the terms before you pay. Our used engine warranty page explains ours.
Common Mercedes OM612 Problems
The OM612 is a strong engine, but it has some well known habits. We check for each of them before we offer a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale.
Leaking injector seals
This is the classic CDI fault. The copper washer under each injector can fail, and combustion gas leaks past it. Soot and oil cook into a thick black tar around the injector. Over time it can eat into the head and make the injectors very hard to remove. New seals and new hold-down bolts fix it if it is caught early.
Injector wear
High mileage injectors can leak back too much fuel or spray badly. You see hard starting, rough idle, smoke and knocking. A return flow test shows which ones are tired.
Intercooler hoses
On Sprinters especially, the boost hoses to and from the intercooler split with age. The van loses power and goes into limp mode. Cheap to fix, but worth checking during any engine swap.
EGR and intake soot
Like all diesels with EGR, the intake can fill with soot over the years. Cleaning it during the swap helps the new engine breathe.
Fuel pressure problems
The high pressure pump, pressure regulator and rail sensor can cause starting and power problems. Air leaks in the fuel lines do the same.
Timing chain stretch
At very high mileage the chain can stretch and the guides wear. A rattle at start-up is the clue.
Overheating in working vans
Sprinters that tow or carry heavy loads in hot weather can overheat if the radiator is blocked or the fan clutch is weak. Overheating can crack the head or blow the head gasket.
None of these problems makes the OM612 a bad engine. Most are wear items that any good mechanic knows well. It just means you want a seller who looks instead of guessing, and that is how we treat every Mercedes OM612 engine for sale.
How We Test Each Mercedes OM612 Engine for Sale
- We record the engine number, mileage and donor vehicle where we have it.
- We run a compression test on all five cylinders.
- We check the oil and coolant for contamination.
- We look around the injectors for signs of seal leaks.
- We check the turbo for play and the actuator for movement.
- We listen for timing chain noise.
- We look over the block and head for cracks and repairs.
- We photograph the engine from all sides and send the photos to you.
- We drain, cap and pack it for transport.
You see the real engine before you pay. If you want another photo of the Mercedes OM612 engine for sale you are looking at, ask and we will send it.
OM612 vs OM611, OM647 and OM642
The OM611 is the four-cylinder 2.2 litre sister engine. It shares many parts, but it is a different length and does not go where an OM612 lives.
The OM647 replaced the OM612 in many cars around 2002 to 2003. It is an updated five-cylinder with a newer fuel system and different electronics. It looks similar, but parts and wiring do not always match.
The OM642 is the 3.0 V6 diesel that replaced the five-cylinder engines in most models from 2005. It is a completely different engine. If your vehicle came with one, see our used OM642 diesel engine for sale page and our notes on OM642 engine problems. Newer four-cylinder vans and cars often use the OM651.
The safe and cheap rule is to replace like with like. If your Sprinter or Mercedes left the factory with one, a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale is the right answer.
Repair or Replace?
Many OM612 faults are simple repairs: injector seals, hoses, a sensor or a turbo. But some problems mean replacement is the better value:
- A knock from the bottom end from a spun bearing.
- A cracked head or block after overheating.
- Coolant in the oil that keeps coming back.
- Low compression on several cylinders.
- A head badly eaten away by years of leaking injector seals.
- Damage after a timing chain failure.
Send us the symptoms and any workshop report. We will tell you honestly whether a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale makes sense for your vehicle.
Used, Rebuilt or Remanufactured?
Fairly used engines come from running vehicles, are tested and sold in good condition. They are the cheapest and fastest option and the one most of our van customers choose.
Rebuilt engines are stripped and fitted with new bearings, rings and gaskets. They cost more and take longer.
Remanufactured engines are built to a set standard and cost the most. Our guide to remanufactured vs rebuilt engines explains the choice.
For a working van or a well kept ML, a clean used Mercedes OM612 engine for sale usually gives the best return on your money.
Long Block or Complete Engine?
A long block includes the block, crank, pistons, head, cams and timing chain. It suits you if your injectors, pump, turbo and sensors are healthy.
A complete engine includes the injectors, high pressure pump, rail, turbo, intake and most bolt-on parts. It is quicker to fit and is what most fleets order. Each quote for a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale says clearly which one you are buying.
What a Mercedes OM612 Engine for Sale Costs
We price each engine on its own. The main things that change the price are:
- Version: Sprinter, car or AMG
- Mileage and condition
- Long block or complete engine
- Included parts such as injectors and turbo
- Shipping method and destination
Send your engine number and we will price the matching Mercedes OM612 engine for sale with shipping. Our article on replacement engine cost explains the full picture.
Notes for Sprinter Owners and Fleets
A lot of the OM612 engines we ship go into T1N Sprinters. These vans are worked hard: full loads, long days, stop and start delivery runs, towing and plenty of idling. That is tough on the turbo, the intercooler hoses, the injectors and the cooling system.
When you replace a Sprinter engine, check the radiator and intercooler for blockage, replace the boost hoses, look at the fan clutch and make sure the fuel filter and water separator are clean. If you run several vans, we can quote a few engines at once and ship them together to save on freight. Tell us how many vans you run and we will plan a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale for each one.
Notes for ML270 and G270 Owners
The ML270 CDI and G270 CDI are popular in places where people actually use their 4x4s. Dust, heat, bad fuel and river crossings all leave their mark. When you fit a new engine to one of these, change the air filter, check the intake for water or dust damage, and clean the radiator fins. A healthy intake and cooling system keep a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale running strong for years.
Worldwide Shipping
We ship to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, and North, Central and South America. Sea freight costs less and suits most buyers. Air freight is quicker when a van is off the road and losing money.
Every Mercedes OM612 engine for sale is drained, capped, strapped down and packed on a pallet or in a crate, then shipped with tracking and export papers. Read our shipping policy for more.
Installation Tips
- Fix whatever killed the old engine before fitting the new one.
- Fit new injector seals and hold-down bolts if there is any doubt.
- Replace intercooler hoses and clamps.
- Clean or replace the radiator and intercooler.
- Fit new fuel filters and bleed the system properly.
- Use the diesel oil grade Mercedes lists and change it early.
- Check that the engine control unit matches the engine and vehicle.
Do this and your Mercedes OM612 engine for sale from us will give you years of steady work.
When the Engine Arrives
- Photograph the crate before you open it.
- Match the engine number to your quote.
- Check every listed part is there.
- Turn the engine by hand.
- Tell us within the time on your quote if something is wrong.
A Short History of the Five-Cylinder Mercedes Diesel
Mercedes has a long love affair with five-cylinder diesels. The OM617 in the 1970s and 1980s made the brand famous for diesel cars that simply would not die, and many of them are still running as taxis and farm cars today. The OM602 and OM605 carried that idea into the 1990s. The OM612 was the step into the modern world, adding common rail injection and four valves per cylinder while keeping the iron block and the five-cylinder layout people trusted.
That history is part of why mechanics everywhere are comfortable with this engine. It is familiar, parts are easy to find, and it rewards basic care. Buying a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale is not a leap into the unknown. It is putting back an engine that thousands of workshops already know inside out.
Fuel Quality and Your OM612
Common rail engines are more sensitive to fuel than the old mechanical diesels. Water and dirt in the fuel wear the high pressure pump and the injectors quickly. If you live where diesel quality is uneven, fit a good water separating filter, drain it often and change the main fuel filter more often than the book says. Never let the tank run nearly empty, because that is when the sludge at the bottom gets pulled through. Treat the fuel system well and a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale will treat you well in return.
Driving Habits That Help a CDI Last
- Let the engine warm up gently before you load it hard.
- Give it a short idle after towing or a long climb so the turbo can cool.
- Avoid hours of idling. It fills the intake and EGR system with soot.
- Watch the temperature gauge, especially when towing in hot weather.
- Change the oil and filter on time with a diesel rated oil.
Simple habits like these are the difference between an engine that does 200,000 km and one that does 500,000 km.
Notes for Workshops and Importers
If you run a workshop or import engines, we can quote several units together and ship them in one load to cut costs. Many trade buyers order a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale together with OM642 and OM651 units, since all three are common in the same vans and cars. We send photos and test notes for each one, so you can show your own customers exactly what they are getting. Every Mercedes OM612 engine for sale in a trade order is labelled with its engine number and quote reference, which makes life easier at the receiving end.
Who Buys OM612 Engines From Us
Courier and delivery companies with Sprinter fleets. Owner drivers who rely on one van. Taxi operators with E270 CDIs. 4×4 owners who love their ML or G-Wagen. Workshops and engine importers who resell at home. Each one gets the right engine, honest notes, real photos and a fair price on each Mercedes OM612 engine for sale.
We also supply the Mercedes M113 engine for sale, the BMW N57 diesel, the Land Rover 3.0 TDV6 and the Toyota 1HD-T diesel. Browse our used European car engines or visit the shop.
How to Order Your Mercedes OM612 Engine for Sale
- Send your details. VIN, model, year and engine number through the contact page, or call +1 (209) 733-0882.
- Get photos and a written quote with shipping included.
- Pay by bank transfer. It is the only payment method we accept. See our billing terms.
- We ship with tracking and send the documents.
- You fit the engine and we stay on hand if you need us.
Want more buying tips? Read how to buy a used engine online and our page on low mileage used engines.
Why Buy From NJ Global Auto Parts
We confirm the fit before you pay, send photos of the actual engine and describe its condition honestly. Every Mercedes OM612 engine for sale ships with a written quote, tracking and a written warranty. Read our refund and returns policy and learn more about us.
Quick Summary
The OM612 is a simple, tough five-cylinder diesel that mechanics everywhere know well. Match a van engine to a van and a car engine to a car, sort out the injector seals, hoses and cooling system during the swap, and keep the fuel clean. Do that with a tested Mercedes OM612 engine for sale and your Sprinter or Mercedes will be back at work for years. Not sure which version you have? Send us the engine number and we will confirm the right Mercedes OM612 engine for sale before you pay anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a Mercedes OM612 engine for sale with a warranty?
Right here. Every Mercedes OM612 engine for sale we ship comes with a written warranty, and the terms are on your quote before you pay.
How do I know which Mercedes OM612 engine for sale fits my van or car?
Send us your VIN and engine number. We check them against the Mercedes OM612 engine for sale we have in stock and confirm the match in writing before we quote. If no Mercedes OM612 engine for sale in stock is a true match, we tell you and keep looking.
Is the OM612 a good engine?
Yes. It is tough, simple and well known by mechanics everywhere. Most faults are wear items.
Will a car OM612 fit my Sprinter?
Not directly. Sumps, mounts, turbos and wiring differ. We match van engines to vans and car engines to cars.
What is the black tar around the injectors?
Leaking injector seals. Combustion gas escapes and bakes oil and soot into a crust. Catch it early and it is a cheap fix.
Does your Mercedes OM612 engine for sale include injectors?
Complete engines do. Long blocks do not. Your quote will say.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, by sea or air with tracking.
How do I pay?
Bank transfer only. Details come with your quote.
Get Your Van or Car Back to Work
A van that is off the road is costing you every day. If you need a tested Mercedes OM612 engine for sale matched to your engine number, with real photos and straight answers, contact us today. We will check the fit, send pictures and give you a clear price, wherever you are in the world.